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For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 19, 2024

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) have arrested and charged 30-year-old Ricky Rohan Kapoor in connection with a serious collision involving a Montgomery County Department of Transportation employee on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in the area of Briggs Chaney Rd. and Legend Oaks Dr. Kapoor, of Potomac, was driving a silver 2006 Infiniti Sedan on Briggs Chaney Rd., at approximately 9: 09 a.m., when he struck the Montgomery DOT employee who was working in the area. Following the collision, Kapoor left the scene, without attempting to render aid to the victim, and ultimately went to Bogota, Columbia. 
Upon returning to the United States on December 14, 2024, Kapoor was arrested at Dulles International Airport by Customs and Border Protection on the strength of an arrest warrant.
Kapoor is charged with failure to immediately return and remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, a felony charge that is punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.  
 
“Filing charges in this case was the critical first step, but we also need to look at addressing the broader safety concerns,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada. “It is everyone's responsibility when they get behind the wheel of a car to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep all road users safe, especially our vulnerable road users. These types of tragedies are absolutely preventable.”  

The County is reminding drivers to do the following when approaching a work zone:
  1. Slow down: Reduced speed limits are posted for a reason. Workers are often very close to traffic, and a slower speed gives drivers more time to react. 
 
  1. Be alert: Stay focused on the road. Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone when driving through work zones. 
 
  1. Follow road signs: Pay attention to signs and traffic cones that indicate lane closures, detours, or workers in the area. These are there to guide drivers safely through the zone. 
 
  1. Maintain a safe distance: Keep plenty of space between your vehicle and construction workers, machinery and other vehicles. This ensures that you have room to react to unexpected situations.
 
  1. Yield to workers: Always yield to flaggers and construction personnel. They are directing traffic to keep everyone safe. 

  1. Expect the unexpected: Work zones can change daily, with new obstacles or lane configurations. Always stay prepared for sudden changes in traffic patterns. 

Kapoor is currently being held at the Loudoun County Detention Center awaiting extradition to Maryland.


Release ID: 24-605
Media Contact: CTDurham
Categories: fatal-collision